Poems of Love: Here I Love You, by Pablo Neruda


This video was published on YouTube on January 7, 2013. 

Pearls of Wisdom: About the poem - This is a very passionate poem by pablo neruda where the poet is not ambiguous but very open about his feelings for his beloved that gives it the pleasing innocence. He also reminisces about the beautiful time spent with his departed lover. 

About the poet - Pablo Neruda (1904 -- 1973) was the pen name and, later, legal name of the Chilean poet, diplomat and politician NeftalĂ­ Ricardo Reyes Basoalto. He was born in Parral, Chile. He covered variety of areas in his writing such as love poems, surrealist poems, historical epics and political manifestos. Neruda won Nobel Prize in Literature in the year 1971.

Emotional Man Describes Late Wife to Sketch Artist


This video was published on YouTube on October 27, 2018. 

Source: T. Michelle Lucas

Kids Corner: The Popeye Valentine's Day Special


This video was published on YouTube on February 14, 2017. 

Source: Popeye and Friends

Top 10 Best Romance Movies of All Time


This video was published on YouTube on February 5, 2017.

Vintage Love: 1930s & 40s Love Songs (Past Perfect)


1. Ella Fitzgerald & Her Famous Orchestra - Taking A Chance On Love
2. Doris Day & Buddy Clark - Love Somebody
3. Dean Martin - If 4. Nat King Cole - Orange Coloured Sky
5. Jo Stafford - Once and For Always
6.
Fats Waller & His Rhythm - When Somebody Thinks You’re Wonderful

7. Hildegarde - Darling, Je Vous Aime Beaucoup
8. Perry Como - Please Believe Me

9. Tommy Dorsey & His Orchestra (with Connie Haines) - What Is This Thing Called Love
10. The Mills Brothers - Old Fashioned Love
11. Margaret Whiting - You Do
12. Hildegarde - I've Got My Love to Keep Me Warm
13. Fred Astaire - Beginner's Luck
14. Ella Fitzgerald - I've Got A Feeling I'm Falling

50 Best Military Marriage Proposal Videos..... EVER


This video was published on YouTube on April 3, 2019. 

Source: WP Videos

The Unlikely Romance of a Black Nurse and a German P.O.W. in World War II



This report was published on YouTube on August 17, 2018. 

HEC Brooks: In this edition of Maryville Talks Books, author Alexis Clark and host Paul Schankman have a conversation about her remarkable new "stranger than fiction" book, Enemies in Love, which tells the true story of a black nurse and a German Prisoner of War, who fell in love during World War Two, and eventually married. Though their story began more than 70 years ago, it feels very relevant today as America continues to wrestle with issues of racism and hate.

Happening in Harlem: A Presentation on New York City's Early Black Communities

 
The Lapidus Center for the Historical Analysis of Transatlantic Slavery and the Greenwich Village Society for Historic Preservation are partnering to illuminate aspects of New York City's early Black neighborhoods. From Seneca Village, a community that will be formally memorialized in Central Park soon to Greenwich Village’s “Little Africa”, our group of experts will address the work of discovery, preservation, and documentation of these and other historically significant, but widely-forgotten Black communities. Panelists will include:

Leslie M. Harris, professor of history at Northwestern University and author or co-editor of numerous books, including In the Shadow of Slavery: African Americans in New York City, 1626-1863 and Slavery in New York (co-edited with Ira Berlin). 

Click here for additional information. 

Source: The Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture

Girls for Gender Equity: A Love Letter to Black Girls


Girls for Gender Equity's Founding President and CEO Joanne N. Smith's Love Letter to Black Girls, read aloud by GGE staff and youth, is a reminder and a rallying cry that Black girls deserve to be loved and uplifted.

In Memoriam: Spc. Branden Tyme Kimball


Spc. Kimball, age 21, died in a non-combat related incident at Bagram Airfield, Afghanistan. The incident is under investigation.

"On behalf of all New Yorkers, I extend our deepest sympathy to Spc. Branden Kimball's loved ones," Governor Cuomo said. "We are devastated by his loss and join his fellow soldiers, his family, and his friends in honoring his service to our nation. His death is a reminder of the sacrifices members of the military make to protect the freedoms and the values that this state and this nation were founded upon."

Kimball was assigned to the 3rd Battalion, 10th Aviation Regiment of the 10th Mountain Division's 10th Combat Aviation Brigade. He was from Central Point, Oregon.

Source: The Office of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo

From The G-Man would like to take this opportunity to honor Spc. Branden Tyme Kimball and his service with the following video tribute. May he forever rest in peace.

Tuesday, February 11, 2020

The NYPD, 'Blue Rage' and Policing with a Bunker Mentality

 
PBA and SBA Attacks on Mayor de Blasio and Their Use of 'Dog Whistle' Words Are As Dangerous As the Criminals Roaming New York


By Gary Glennell Toms 

Let me be very clear. This commentary will anger many rank and file members of the New York City Police Department. Good! This commentary will anger many of this city's elected officials, especially those who believe the NYPD, its leadership or methods of policing should never be questioned or scrutinized in any way. Good! This commentary may be a topic of discussion on various cable and network news channels. Good! This commentary will likely make From The G-Man, as well as myself, the target of Twitter trolls. Good! My response to all of the aforementioned will be the same. "I'm not easily intimidated, and neither are my news sites. Bring it!"

Before I go any further, I'm going to launch a preemptive strive against members of the NYPD or anyone else that would attempt to label me "anti-cop". Doing so would be a huge  mistake. Truth be told, I've written over 200 news stories on the NYPD. Some were extremely favorable, and some were not. Even when the stories didn't showcase the department in a favorable manner, I still managed to develope extremely good working relationships with high-ranking NYPD officials over the course of my career, which includes my seven-year stint with The Wave of Long Island, Rockaway's newspaper of record. The late Chief Thomas Lawless, Captain Charles Talamo, who underwent special training with the Department of Homeland Security and the FBI, Lt. Rob Schwach, who created the NYPD's C.O.B.R.A. program, and Deputy Inspector Kenneth Lindhal, who was with the 101st Precinct in Far Rockaway, were some of the law enforcement officials I worked with and later befriended. I respected them and the job they had to do, and they respected me for having the courage to ask the hard questions and hold people in power accountable through my reporting. As Captain Talamo once said, "You're tough on the department, G-Man, but you're always fair."

In the wake of recent comments made by NYPD union leaders Ed Mullins and Patrick Lynch, I felt it was crucially important, as a Black man with two independent and unfunded news and information platforms, to address what I consider to be incendiary statements that have the potential to make the division between the department, elected officials and communities of color even worse. I completely understand that Mullins, Lynch and members "New York's Finest" are upset over the attempted assassinations of two of their officers and the attack on the 41st Precinct in the Bronx. I'm angry, too! Based on comments I've heard on the streets, many in the Harlem community are equally outraged. I suspect this is the case in many areas of this great city, so I really don't understand why the PBA and SBA leader would publicly state there is an anti-cop sentiment in New York City. Moreover, why would these union representatives think it appropriate to take two separate and unfortunate incidents, the illegal acts committed by some during the recent subway protests and the recent shootings, and cite them as evidence that their officers are under siege? Fact: There may have been a significant number of people who took part in the subway protests against the NYPD, but that was a small percentage when you consider there are over 8 million people in New York City. I didn't see millions of people jumping turnstyles, flipping off NYPD officers, or defacing the subway system with markers. I, like many in this city, saw a select group that probably came from other locales to wreck havoc.

Additionally, in terms of the union leaders claiming anti-cop sentiment is engulfing New York City, the numbers certainly prove them wrong. Again, there are over 8 million people in New York City. According to the NYPD's website, there are 36,000 police officers on the force.  Well, I would encourage Mullins and Lynch to brush up on their math. If there are only 36,000 police officers patrolling the streets, it would appear that the department and its officers are at a tremendous disadvantage and could be attacked or targeted by masses of people, repeatedly, at any given moment or place, right? I mean, they're vastly outnumbered and probably out-gunned, right? Is that happening? Hell no! Do you know why more cops aren't targeted for assassination or beaten on a daily or frequent basis, as Mullin and Lynch would have you believe? It's because the majority of people in New York City respect and support the NYPD. Citing an unruly horde of subway protesters as evidence that New York City has turned on its police department and officers is irresponsible. Citing an incident by an alleged assassin, who clearly suffered a mental breakdown due to addiction and/or the loss of his son, as evidence that New York City has turned on its police department and officers is reckless and unacceptable, particularly when an investigation is underway. 

During a phone conversation that took place back on 2013, a retired NYPD official told me the following: "Encouraging and maintaining a bunker mentality among police officers is not a good look for the department, G-Man. We have to get away from that practice." The Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines bunker mentality as "a state of mind, especially among members of a group, that is characterized by chauvinistic defensiveness and self-righteous intolerance of criticism." Mullins, Lynch and certain members of the NYPD should carefully consider the decorated 20-year veteran's statement. 

I have one final question for the PBA and SBA. You both have used certain words during press conferences or in print that have been deemed inappropriate by elected officials, civil rights groups and leaders, and the general public. "Creatures", "thugs" "animals" and "low-lifes" were some of the words used to describe alleged or convicted criminals. Well, given the acts committed by the following alleged or convicted criminals, would you refer to them as such? I'm asking because I don't seem to recall you ever doing so, publicly.

Backlash Emerges Behind Cynthia Erivo’s Role in ‘Harriet’


This report was published on YouTube on February 10.

ABC News: Steve Osunsami addresses criticism behind Erivo's “blackness” related to her portrayal of Harriet Tubman, despite being a British actor.

Chuck Africa is Free! Next Up, Mumia Abu-Jamal.

Chuck Africa and his niece.
 
By Noelle Hanrahan

The wheels of justice often move very slowly in our country, but we are picking up speed. Chuck Africa is now free! He was the youngest of the MOVE 9 to be arrested after the horrific events of August 8th, 1978. The groundswell of grassroots activity in Philly has brought MOVE members home starting with the release of  Debbie Africa in June 2018 to Chuck Africa, the morning of Friday, February 7th, 2020. Two of the Nine members, Merle and Phil Africa passed away in prison, but the remaining seven are now free. Listen in to Mumia's broadcast about Chuck's freedom.

Mike Africa Jr. describes his elation, “I've been working my whole life to bring my family members home: my mom, dad, and uncle. But I had no idea that when they came home I would feel free. Now next up is bringing Mumia home. He was there for us and we will be there for him.”

We are overjoyed to celebrate the liberation of the MOVE members. Never again do we have to chant "Free The Move 9!" But this is the result of decades of struggle and resistance. Years of learning how to work the bureaucratic system in our favor. And yet, our work is not done. We are working hard to have Philadelphia's native son Mumia home. Working to bring the voices of dozens of other incarcerated individuals to you. Working to bring awareness to pressing issues of unjust mass imprisonment. Chuck's freedom is one joyful step towards this future.

Lebanon Protesters Clash with Security Forces, Demand Elections Ahead of Confidence Vote


Global News: Security forces fired tear gas and water cannons at protesters in Beirut on Tuesday as the Lebanese parliament convened to hold a vote of confidence on the new government. Hundreds of protesters tried to block MPs from reaching the parliamentary building, causing security forces to block off all roads leading to the barricaded parliament district.

Mayor de Blasio Signs Legislation


The Office of the Mayor: Mayor de Blasio signs Intro. 1785 to expand healthcare benefits to surviving family members of City employees who die in the line of duty or who die from a 9/11 illness. The Mayor will also sign Intros 420-B, 873-A, 891-A, 904-A, and 919-A to further reduce lead exposure in New York City.

Sorry, Renters: You Still Have to Pay Brokers’ Fees for Now


The New York Times: A New York judge temporarily blocked a new state rule barring brokers from charging tenants. 

Click here for the report.

New York Special Election Scheduled for April 28

 
Governor Andrew Cuomo today issued a proclamation setting an April 28 special election date for the 27th Congressional District and three vacant Assembly seats and one vacant Senate seat. The Governor's proclamation can be viewed here.

Source: The Office of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo 

Black Futures Lab Launches 'Black to the Ballot' Initiative


New York - Today, the Black Futures Lab launched Black to the Ballot, a voter registration and activation initiative that will expand the Black electorate in nine states and unite Black voters around an agenda that foregrounds the most important issues that impact our lives. #BlackToTheBallot promises to register 10,000 new Black voters across nine states: Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Nevada, Illinois, Texas and Wisconsin. In each state, the Black Futures Lab is working with local organizations with extensive relationships in Black communities that are often left out of the decisions that impact their lives, and left behind when it comes to reaping the benefits of the American Dream.

“Too often, Black voters are given style over substance. We are asked to stand behind agendas that don’t serve us or address the issues that are important to our families. Black voters are expected to show up at the polls, but we don’t make clear what we want Black voters to show up for -- and what Black voters will get out of it, said Alicia Garza, principal of the Black Futures Lab. #BlackToTheBallot does just that -- we identify the issues that Black voters care about, and ask Black voters to show up to the polls not for candidates, but for the issues that impact our lives and the solutions that will improve the lives of our families.”

#BlackToTheBallot is not just another voter registration drive but rather a continued and concerted effort led by Black Futures Lab to inspire and mobilize a vital voting constituency whose needs are often left unaddressed. The Black Futures Lab is working with fourteen Black led grassroots partners across nine states to mobilize communities and register 10,000 new and unlikely voters and has earmarked nearly $500,000 worth of online, digital and on-the-ground resources to register and turn out Black voters in the upcoming presidential election and future elections on the municipal, state and federal levels.

The issues that Black voters care about -- across geography, political affiliation, and demographic -- is called the Black Agenda 2020, a roadmap for how to address key issues in the economy, our democracy, and our society that are plaguing Black America.

The Black Agenda 2020 is an antidote to the deceptive messages that our communities heard this week during the State of the Union address. It is rooted in the voices of tens of thousands of Black people from all different walks of life across the country, who represent millions more who, until now, have been unseen and unheard.

Black voters are overwhelmingly disappointed and tired of being exploited and dismissed by a system that feels entitled to our vote, but not responsible for our progress. Black Futures Lab has identified a Black agenda that addresses the issues our communities care about, like: the economy; jobs, environmental justice; criminal justice; harassment and state sponsored violence. These were the most important issues to respondents to the Black Census, the largest survey of Black communities in 155 years.

“Black communities will play a decisive role in determining the future of this country. If you’re not convinced, you only need to look at last week's State of the Union address,” said Garza. Opportunistic politicians make a case for our votes, but they aren’t really interested in improving our lives.We are tired of being used as pawns for political gain, without a real commitment to the priorities of black people across the nation.”

“They know that we are tired of being taken for granted. If we're not careful, if we don't invest in organizing Black communities that have been left out and left behind, the opportunists will win. The Black Futures Lab is exactly in the right place, at the right time. We are organizing our communities around the issues that are important to us. We are registering thousands of new Black voters in nine states across the nation. We do the work to make sure there's a vision our communities can vote for, and to hold  accountable those who profit off of the suffering of our families. We listen to Black communities and we are joining hands to build a movement that can make us all powerful in politics. We engage, motivate, and activate Black communities to fight for a future that includes all of us, and we hope you join us.”

Source: Christopher Collins-McNeil

The 1619 Project Debate with History of Slavery in New York City

Wall Street Slave Auction (Click to enlarge the image.)

Click here for the article.

Source: Alan J. Singer

'Future Hope' Column: Bernie, Bloomberg, and the Other Billionaire

 
By Ted Glick 

There’s one reason why it’s a good thing that Wall Street billionaire Michael Bloomberg is trying to buy the Presidency: it could remove the issue of age for those concerned about candidates in their 70s. Bloomberg is 79, the same age as Bernie.

Bloomberg’s desperate move is happening following Biden’s persistent stumbles and weaknesses, and after Buttigieg’s 0% level of support from African Americans in a Quinnipiac poll. Zero percent!
As of now, from many different angles, Bernie is looking good, Buttigieg not so much, and Bloomberg is a big question mark. It was interesting, though, to see yesterday that FiveThirtyEight put Bloomberg’s odds at 1 out of 100 for winning the nomination, vs. Pete’s 1 out of 20 and Bernie in the lead overall at 1 out of 2. Go Bernie, go!

However, despite those 100 to 1 odds, my political sense is that it looks like Bernie is going to have to vanquish two billionaires to move into the White House next January, first Wall Street Mike and then Mafioso Don. I will go so far as to predict that sometime in March the Democratic primary race will evolve into a head-to-head match-up between the working class champion and the rep of the billionaire class.

Bloomberg is already starting to get the support of Democratic elected officials who have been in the Biden lane. I’m sure he’ll get more. And I’m starting to see a couple of friends of mine on Facebook indicating openness to the guy, friends who are not supporting Bernie.

Click here for the full article.

Source: tedglick.com

Merkel's Chosen Successor Gives Up on 2021 Candidacy


FRANCE 24 English: The woman widely seen as German Chancellor Angela Merkel’s chosen successor will not lead her crisis-racked CDU party into upcoming elections, a party source told AFP Monday.

Coronavirus Outbreak: China's President Xi Makes First Public Appearance as Virus Death Toll Climbs


Global News: Chinese President Xi Jinping donned a protective mask on Monday as he stepped out into Beijing to walk the streets and greet the public and medical workers in his first public appearance in weeks just hours after the country's health commission announced the death toll had risen to more than 900.

Coronavirus Update: No Confirmed Cases in New York State


Governor Andrew Cuomo today announced additional negative results for the novel coronavirus in New York State. The New York State Department of Health just learned of another negative test result, which brings the statewide total of samples that have come back negative up to 22.

As of today, samples from 23 New Yorkers have been sent to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention for testing. Of those, 22 have come back negative. One sample from New York City is still pending; there are no pending samples in New York State outside of New York City. There are still no confirmed cases of novel coronavirus in New York State.

"We are continuing to take every necessary precaution to protect New Yorkers from this virus," Governor Cuomo said. "While there are still no confirmed cases of the virus in New York State, I urge everyone to continue to take commonsense precautions, such as regular hand washing and avoiding close contact with people who are sick."

The Department of Health is working closely with its partners at the federal, state and local level on this constantly evolving public health emergency. Now that the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has authorized the State to use the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's diagnostic test, New York State Department of Health's Wadsworth Center is working to implement the coronavirus testing. The Wadsworth Center, which has been at the forefront of numerous public health emergencies such as vaping-associated illnesses, SARS and synthetic cannabinoids, must complete the proper verification protocols before testing can begin.

While there is currently no vaccine for the novel coronavirus, everyday preventative actions can help stop the spread of this and other respiratory viruses:

Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. If soap and water are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

Avoid touching your eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands.

Avoid close contact with people who are sick.

Stay home when you are sick.

Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.

Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces.


Individuals who are experiencing symptoms and may have traveled to areas of concern or have been in contact with somebody who has traveled to these areas should call ahead to their healthcare provider before presenting for treatment.

In addition, the Department has a dedicated website which was created as a resource with updated information for New Yorkers

New Yorkers can call the State hotline at 1-888-364-3065, where experts from the Department of Health can answer questions regarding the novel coronavirus. The Department has also launched two public service announcements (PSAs) on the novel coronavirus, one featuring State Health Commissioner Dr. Howard Zucker and another with general information, that are running statewide in multiple languages.

Source: The Office of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo   

Governor Cuomo Delivers Remarks at the 2020 National Governors Association Winter Meeting


This video was published on YouTube on February 8.

The Office of Governor Andrew Cuomo: Governor Andrew Cuomo today advocated for states to step up in the absence of federal leadership at the National Governors Association Winter Meeting in Washington, DC.

Mayor de Blasio Testifies at State Budget Hearing



The Office of the Mayor: Mayor de Blasio delivers testimony at a budget hearing on local governments before the Joint Fiscal Committees of the New York State Legislature.

Global Entry: What to Know About the Enrollment Freeze


The New York Times: The Trump administration said the restriction on the travelers' program was in response to a new law in New York. Gov. Cuomo called it a form of "extortion." 

Click here for the report.

Two NYC Firefighters Die of 9/11-Related Illnesses on the Same Day

 On left, retired FDNY Lt. Paul Deo, Jr.; at right is firefighter Richard Jones. (FDNY)

Click here for the report.

Source: The New York Daily News

Gunman in Custody After Opening Fire in Bronx Precinct House


Attacked 12 Hours After ‘Assassination’ Attempt On 2 Other Cops 

Click here for the report. 

Source: MSN News 

NYPD's Shea Calls Officer Shooting an Assassination Attempt



Statement from Governor Andrew Cuomo

"I am horrified by the two attacks on NYPD officers that occurred last night and this morning in the Bronx. Members of New York's law enforcement community put their lives on the line every day to keep us safe, and they deserve our respect and appreciation. I have asked the New York State Police to reach out to the NYPD to offer any assistance necessary. We have zero tolerance for attacks of any kind against law enforcement, and the person or people responsible will be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law."

Source: The Office of Governor Andrew M. Cuomo